Faculty

Mission Statement

The Department of Cardiorespiratory Care strives toward fresh approaches to courses
in the program. Emphasis is placed on producing graduates to function as professionals
in various venues wherein the practice of respiratory therapy occurs. The Department
strives to broaden the scope of practice by teaching students certain components of
cardiovascular technology. The Department encourages and challenges students to develop critical-thinking and
decision-making to improve their marketability and job security. First and foremost,
however, the Department fosters these skills to improve patient care. The Department attempts to create an atmosphere wherein faculty can achieve their
potential as scholars and teachers. The faculty are encouraged to mold future direction
of the Department in response to changes occurring in health care delivery.

Faculty

Introduction - David Chang

The profession of respiratory therapy is expected to grow in the next decade and beyond.
This growth is the result of the aging population, retirement of senior respiratory
therapists, and increase of the types and severity of cardiopulmonary diseases. The
amount of information and knowledge in respiratory therapy is also expected to grow
along with the career opportunities. As a faculty of the Department of Cardiorespiratory
Care, my primary role of teaching is not to simply provide information because up-to-date
information is available online virtually at the fingertips of all students. My role
is to help students develop problem-solving skills - a much needed asset in patient
care settings.

With a few exceptions, current college students consist of Generation Y individuals
(born after 1982). These students have unique personal characteristics and learning
styles. My focus of teaching technique is somewhat tailored to these variables. Of
course, to become successful as a health care professional, students of any generation
must be motivated to learn by attending classes and clinical, reading books and journals,
completing workbooks and assignments, composing logical papers, calculating clinical
parameters, and identifying and solving problems. As always, I stand ready to share
my experience with each of my students for the purpose of developing an exciting and
productive career in respiratory therapy.

Introduction - Jennifer McDaniel

I am excited and thrilled that I was asked to join the faculty of the Cardiorespiratory
Department three years ago. I am a graduate of the program and have been working in
the neonatal intensive care unit at USA Children’s and Women’s Hospital since 2002.
Having this opportunity gives me a chance to let students see the neonatal/pediatric
side of respiratory care and how beneficial this experience is.

I encourage prospective students to tour the department and hospitals to see what
amazing opportunities a career in Cardiorespiratory Care has.

Introduction - Timothy Op't Holt

Students interested in a career in respiratory therapy should apply to this program
because the program faculty are among the best in the country, and because our program
provides a very broad opportunity within and outside respiratory therapy. The faculty
have a combined experience of well over 100 years - providing a depth and breadth
of material in basic science, intensive respiratory care, neonatal respiratory care
and cardiac care unheard of in many other programs.

Graduates of our program are prepared to practice in respiratory therapy and cardiovascular
technology. Graduates may use their baccalaureate degree in Cardiorespiratory Sciences
to gain entry into physician assistant studies, medical or graduate school, business,
or education if they choose.

As one of the faculty members, I am committed to the profession, the program and
the students. When my students are doing well, it is a positive reflection on me,
so I have every reason to work for and with my students to assure their success. My
goal is to be a role model for the graduates of the program so they too will enjoy
the fruits of their labor and their status in this growing and prospering profession.

Introduction - William Pruitt

I believe that students who are interested in a career in respiratory therapy can
get an excellent, well-rounded, practical, and enduring education experience in this
field by attending the bachelor’s degree program in Cardiorespiratory Care Sciences
at the University of South Alabama. The faculty have broad yet deep experience in
all aspects of the field and are recognized nationally as leaders in the academic
realm.

The resulting depth of education and clinical experiences offered to the student carries
a real impact when the student leaves the college life and launches into the health
care work force. Students from previous classes have proved themselves to be valuable,
successful, flexible, and well-prepared in the workplace. Several graduates have applied
themselves to educational goals beyond respiratory therapy and are now managing hospital,
operating home health businesses, practicing as physicians and physician assistants,
or teaching in respiratory therapy programs.

I believe that respiratory therapists make a difference by having a caring compassionate
approach, while working with patients who are on sophisticated life-support machines
and monitors. Our students learn how to handle emergencies along with routine care,
prioritize and organize their clinical assignments, perform research activities, work
with patients of all ages, create a resume, and function as part of today’s healthcare
team.

Introduction - William Wojciechowski

I am as excited about this program today as I was 33 years ago when I arrived here
to start this program. I am genuinely excited about the profession of respiratory
therapy itself. The profession offers numerous rewards and challenges.

What excites me about our baccalaureate degree program is how our faculty and clinical
affiliates help our graduates reap the rewards and meet the challenges of respiratory
therapy.

Employers from around the United States seek our graduates. This high degree of marketability
helps our graduates achieve their academic and career goals. We are proud to have
such sought-after graduates.